Explore the Brittany coast.

A peaceful scene at Île-aux-Moines.

Slow living on the island of Île-aux-Moines

Île-aux-Moines is the largest of the islands in the Morbihan Bay. It has been inhabited since the Stone Age. A ferry departs every half hour from the port of Port-Blanc in Baden to Île-aux-Moines. Upon arrival, renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the island. Bicycles are the most popular mode of transport, and locals have even painted colored lines on the roads so that even foreigners who don't speak French can easily cycle around the island.

The island of Île-aux-Moines is famous in part for its ancient stone circles and stelae. Stone Age people erected these circles to mark burial sites or places for religious ceremonies. The Kergonan stone circle in Île-aux-Moines, with a radius of 70 meters, is the largest stone circle in Europe. The nearby Penhap stone circle is elaborately decorated with carvings of deities and ancient tools. Both are recognized as French national historical monuments. Cyclists following the blue lines will be able to visit Kergonan, Penhap, and the other stone structures.

If you follow the yellow arrows while cycling, you'll reach the village on the island. This small village, with fewer than 700 inhabitants, boasts houses that are 500 years old and still standing. Recently, several architects have been involved in restoring the old houses on Île-aux-Moines. They've also built some new houses in the old architectural style. Tourists can simply stroll or cycle through the narrow alleys between the houses to enjoy the village's ancient charm. When you're tired, stop at a café or restaurant in the village to sip a cup of coffee, enjoy a slice of the local galette, and watch the people go by.

St. Michael's Church in the village of Île-aux-Moines is as charming as the island itself. The church's foundations date back to the 9th century, when Brittany was still an independent kingdom. Despite several renovations, the building retains the simple architecture of a pre-Gothic rural church. Visitors can climb the church's bell tower for panoramic views of the island.

The center of the village of Île-aux-Moines.

The beaches of Île-aux-Moines are nothing special except for their unspoiled beauty. They are a great place for visitors to walk or relax after a day and watch the sunset. In autumn, schools of red mullet swim from the sea into the island's rivers to spawn. If you are a fishing enthusiast, you should visit Île-aux-Moines at this time.

And other islands

Besides Île-aux-Moines, Brittany boasts several other interesting islands. A network of motorboats and ferries connects these islands, so travelers don't need to worry about transportation. One such island is Île-de-Bréhat. Originally a single landmass in ancient times, geological activity has split Île-de-Bréhat into two main islands and several smaller, adjacent islets. Because the island lies in the path of the warm Gulf Stream, its climate is very different from the mainland, feeling more like a subtropical region. The island is home to palm trees, eucalyptus trees, and various flowers such as hydrangeas, geraniums, and other species typically found only in warmer climates in Southern Europe. Many migratory birds, such as seagulls, cormorants, and puffins, are also attracted by Île-de-Bréhat's warm climate and nest on the island's cliffs and rocky shores.

Ouessant Island (also known as Ushant) is often likened to a "guardian" because it stands guard at the entrance to the Strait of Mache. It is also the westernmost point of France. Due to its strategic location, Ouessant has historically been the site of numerous naval battles between the French and British navies. Some historical artifacts from these battles, recovered from the sea, are now on display in the island's museum. Ouessant is also famous for its appearances in works by poet Rudyard Kipling, novelist C.S. Forester, and director Éric Rohmer. And, of course, we can't forget the sheep found only on Ouessant Island. Ouessant sheep are the smallest sheep in the world and are mostly black. Visitors to the island shouldn't forget to buy a roll or two of Ouessant sheep wool as souvenirs.

The island of Île de Sein is famous for two things: its lack of large trees and the traditional headdresses worn by its women. Influenced by their Welsh ancestors, Île de Sein women wear cloth headdresses that are twice the height of their heads. A medieval legend claimed that the women of Île de Sein were actually mermaids in human form. Whenever a ship passed by the island, the mermaids would use their beauty and headdresses to entice the men on board, forcing them to dock at the island. When the tide receded, the ships would run aground on the coral reefs surrounding the island. The legend is, of course, untrue, but tourists still visit Île de Sein today to hear the story, dive, and explore the colorful coral reefs.

Source